He plays Bass

In the genetic sense, James did not have siblings. I mean, of course, Sirius Black was his brother in every other sense of the word but when he was younger he didn’t have Sirius.  All growing up, he longed for someone to keep him company.  At one point, he had begged with his parents to have another kid for him to play with.  

Looking back, it was obvious why they never did.  His parents were quite a bit older than most parents of people his age.  They had tried very hard to get pregnant when they were first married but it never happened for them and so they sort of just gave up.  They were in their 40’s when James was born which sure, isn’t very old but it was past their prime and he had been an accident.  Even if they had tired, odds are they would not have had another kid.

This fact left James distraught for many years.  He was quite lonely.  He had only one cousin who was 15 years older than him and James had only met her one time.  

This all changed when James turned 6.  Before he was admitted to Hogwarts boarding school, he had gone to a small local school in his area.  This is where he met Marlene Mckinnon

Marlene Mckinnon was tough even when she was only 6.  She always stood up for herself and always spoke her mind.  The first time James saw her was when the boys were playing football at break and she got into a screaming match with a boy who wouldn’t let her play.  She ended up punching the boy and getting a weeks suspension which should have been alarming but James was in awe of her.

As it turned out, she lived only a small way from the Potter Manor and after that day, the two were inseparable. 

Hogwarts boarding school sent acceptance letters out when children were 11.  It truly was a very prestigious school but both James and Marlene were legacies and got their letters on the same day.  

All of this really is just to say that in all the time that James had known Marlene Mckinnon, he had never seen her be unsure of herself.  

At least, up until now.

James watched in amusement throughout the flight as Dorcas and Marlene bickered but it continued as they got off the plane, through the bundle of fans trying to see the band and into the car that had been called for them.

To James’s knowledge, Marlene had never had a girlfriend before.  He knew that she had had one night stands but she had never actually dated anyone.  She had never sparred with anyone like she was doing with Dorcas and she had certainly never looked at anyone the way she was looking at Dorcas.

In all honesty, it wasn’t making a lot of sense to James.  The two had never met before yesterday and yet, they were fighting and arguing so passionately like they had known each other for years.

It made James proud in a way to see Marlene this passionate about someone but at the same time, it troubled him.  She had fallen so hard and so fast for this girl that she knew absolutely nothing about.

He looked around the car to see if anyone else was noticing this.  He first looked at Remus and Sirius who were whispering to each other with lovely, sickening smiles on their faces that made James want to punch them and hug them at the same time.

Barty and Evan were wrapped up in themselves as well.  They seemed to be watching a film on Barty’s phone but every once in a while one of them would look up at the other and they would miss each other's glances by just a few moments.

Pandora was talking to the driver mindlessly while reading a book.  James was actually quite fond of Pandora.  She was extremely kind and she seemed to keep the others in line.  She had known Sirius for less than 24 hours and yet, when she told him rather sternly to remove his feet from one of the seats on the plane he apologized and immediately did as she asked.

Lastly, he looked at Regulus who actually was watching Dorcas and Marlene with fond amusement.  His eyes flickered between his friends and every once in a while would look at Sirius and Remus with a look of adoration and resentment all mixed in one.  When Regulus met James’ eyes his gaze hardened and he opened his journal and looked down.

James desperately wanted to know what he had done to make the boy hate him.  He had been very excited to meet Regulus despite the fact that he hadn’t wanted to go to the concert. 

He remembered when they were younger how Sirius would always talk about Regulus.  When they first started Hogwarts, Sirius boasted about his amazing younger brother. He constantly talked about how brilliant he was and how excited he was for the others to meet him.

Unfortunately, when Sirius showed up for their second year, Regulus wasn’t with him.  According to Sirius, his mother was displeased with Sirius’s progression in his studies and his behavior in general and so when Regulus got his invitation to Hogwarts, Walburga ripped it up and sent him to Beauxbatons, a french boarding school. 

The issue with this school was it was very close to where the Blacks resided and so every weekend, Regulus was expected at home.  Sirius came back to Hogwarts at the start of third year talking about how much Regulus had changed and how he seemed broken.

Third year is when Sirius started complaining about Regulus.  He would complain about him not returning his letters and when he went home for holidays how Regulus could barely look him in the eye. 

In fifth year, Sirius showed up at James’s house beaten and bloody.  He was delirious when he showed up and all he would say was, ‘I couldn’t get him out. He wanted to come. She got him first.  I abandoned him.’ 

After that, Sirius would talk about Regulus less and less until he finally ceased being a conversation point for the boys.

At least, until Alphard died and Regulus got out.  Regulus had been trapped in the house for years with nowhere to go until their uncle died and left each kid a considerable amount of money.  Regulus fled to Dorcas’s house the first chance he got and since then, at least as far as James knew, he hadn’t seen his parents. 

So really, if this is all James knew about Regulus, what on Earth could Regulus know about him that inspired so much hate in the boy?

“Okay everyone,” Pandora said, pulling James from his train of thought. “We are in Spain for three days. The shows are tonight and on our last night.  The four arseholed in this car have a busy day ahead of them but the four seemingly lovely people I met last night will be able to go to the hotel and relax for a few hours before the show.”

“I cannot believe you just referred to me as an arsehole but called my brother lovely.” Regulus said rather dramatically. “You and I have been through so much and yet you belittle me.”

Pandora smiled. “You are so right Regulus.  It truly is cruel of me to lump you in with the other three. You truly are your own thing.”

Regulus glared at her. “I heard the condescending tone in your voice. You are such a little snake.”

“Yes, well, I was born to a slytherin so it makes sense.” Pandora replied.

“We were all born to Slytherins.” 

“Dorcas wasn’t.” Pandora snarked.

“Can we please get back to the itinerary Dora?” Dorcas asked.

“Right.” Pandora said, addressing the rest of the car. “The band will be busy for a lot of the day going back and forth between PR teams and the venue staff.  Due to this, you four will be left alone.  You can either stay at the hotel or check out the shops nearby. I don’t really care what you do just know that the concert starts at 21:00 and you should arrive by 19:00.”

“We get a day off tomorrow right?” Barty asked.

“Yes Bartimus.” Pandora said, annoyed. “You all get a day off tomorrow and I do have a reservation at Museo Nacional del Prado for those interested.”

Both Regulus and Remus perked up and made eye contact at this while Barty, Evan and Sirius groaned.

“Come on Pandy.” Evan groaned. “You couldn’t have scheduled us for something fun?”

“Shut up Evan.” Regulus said.  “You don’t have to come.  You and Barty can just dink around Spain for the day.”

The two broke out into a fight and James just sat back and enjoyed.

_____________

When the car pulled up to the hotel, the four non essential people piled out.  

In all honesty, James was slowly becoming more and more grateful for this trip.  He had truly been dreading it at first but now that he was here, away from his flat and with his best friends, he couldn’t be happier.

Remus and Sirius immediately went up to their room leaving Marlene and James to hang out.  The two went around, looking through different shops along the way.  Marlene found something she desperately wanted to buy in each shop and James ended up buying her at least half of it.

The two were genuinely enjoying Spain and forgetting about everything else.  Their friendship truly was easy and effortless.

After a while and a bit of a dent in James’s monthly budget for his credit card, the two found a cafe and spent a few hours ordering coffee and talking.

The cafe was pretty quiet and the music in the background was somewhat soothing.  Marlene was being rather quiet which was unlike her.  She had somehow managed to dodge every question that James threw her way until he had had enough.

“Marlene, what is going on with you?” He asked as they ordered their fourth coffee.

Marlene looked up with a tight smile. “I don’t know James.  I really have no idea what is going on.  I have never felt like this.”

James raised an eyebrow. “Marls, please don’t get mad at me when I say this but, you have literally not even known her for a day.

Marlene glared at James. “Yes James, I am aware of that.  I really have no idea what is happening to me.  She just makes me feel, I don’t know, she makes me feel different and I love it.”

James smiled. “Marlene, are you telling me that you are having a fairy tale love at first sight bullshit experience.”

Marlene’s face went slightly pink. “I don’t know. All I know is that I want to be around her and I desperately want to kiss her and hug her and talk and bicker with her.  I mean, I just feel so stupid.”

Marlene put her head down on the table. James laughed. “Marlene, you’ve never actually let yourself experience anything like this.  I think you might actually like her.”

“No shit James. I literally just said that.  Just because I just met her doesn't mean I don’t feel anything.” Marlene groaned. “And also, why are we talking about me? What about you? I swear, you always fall for the people that want nothing to do with you.”

James flinched a bit. He knew she meant it in a joking manner but it still stung. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Marlene looked up. “James, when I’m not staring at the beauty that is Dorcas Meadows I can very clearly see you staring at Sirius’s brother.”

James rolled his eyes. “It’s curiosity more than anything.  I really want to know why he doesn’t like me.  I had genuinely never seen him before yesterday.”

“Yea, right.  Curiosity but if he wanted to shag you wouldn’t say no.”

This time, it was James’s face that flushed pink. “It’s barely even a crush Marlene. Nothing like you and Dorcas.  It’s just physical attraction.  Like I said earlier, I know nothing about him.”

“But you’d like to, wouldn't you?”

“Yes, if he had any interest in getting to know me, I would be far from opposed.”

“He does.” Marlene stated.

“He does what?” 

Marlene sighed. “He wants to get to know you.”

James arched an eyebrow. “How would you know?”

Marlene smiled. “Well, as I said earlier, in the brief time I’m not looking at Dorcas, I see you looking at him but I also see him sparing you glances sometimes.  It’s always when you’re not looking which is kind of crazy cause you are always looking.  I swear, maybe he has a sixth sense of some kind.  Anyways, he does look at you with the same look of curiosity and sexual intrigue that you give him.”

James choked on his coffee at that last part, sending Marlene who was laughing a scathing glare. 

Before the girl could say anything else, James checked his phone. “Shit marls, we have to go.”

_______________________

The show was set to start in a little over two hours and Regulus was, like normal, annoyed.  Barty and Evan had been extremely irritating and Dorcas hadn’t once stopped talking about Marlene.  Regulus rolled his eyes each and every time the name Marlene was said.  He had never seen Dorcas like this before.  The look in her eyes when she talked about Marlene was not that of annoyance.  Her words were but her eyes painted an entirely different story and Regulus couldn’t help but be annoyed.  How on Earth could she have already fallen for this girl.  She had never really been like this before. 

Actually, that is not entirely true.  When the five of them were still at Beauxbatons,  Dorcas had fallen in love with a girl named Arella Delacour.  The two had been lab partners in chemistry and Arella had been in Papillonlisse.  Arella was for the most part very sweet but as they all learned later, she was also very straight. 

It had broken Dorcas to no end when Arella rejected her and broke her even more when she stopped talking to her altogether.  The Ombrelune house had enough sense to leave Dorcas alone during this time thankfully but Dorcas was distraught.  It was bad enough that she had been rejected but she had at the same time lost a close friend.

Since then, Dorcas hadn’t had a relationship with anyone.  Sure, Arella didn’t really count as a relationship but Dorcas hadn’t fallen for anyone either.

“Do you guys know what the best part of being famous is?” Barty asked, pulling Regulus out of his thoughts.

“No Barty.” Dorcas said. “But please do enlighten us.”

“It has to be the food.” 

Regulus stared at him for a minute. “You are a fucking idiot.”

Barty glared. “Don’t be a dick Reg.  Try one of these doughnuts and I promise you’ll agree with me.”

Before Regulus could say anything, Pandora burst into the room with a worried look on her face.  She was staring at her phone looking a bit guilty.

“What’s wrong Dora?” Evan asked, grabbing a doughnut and sitting next to Barty.”

“You idiots have majorly messed something up.” Pandora said.

Evan sighed. “Oh yes, that is all we needed to know.  We don’t need any specifics.”

Pandora narrowed her eyes at her brother. “Well, Evan, I just got off the phone with The Death Eaters and they are not happy.”

“What on Earth could we have done to upset the label?” Dorcas asked.

“Well, the song that Regulus played last night had not been approved by the label.  They are mad about the genre switch and they feel as though you went behind their backs.  On top of that, have you guys happened to see the news revolving around the band today?”

“Believe it or not Dora, we are not actually that narcissistic.” Barty said.

“Yes well, seeing as it is you two who caused this problem in the first place, I’d recommend you look and see what's going on.” Pandora said.

Barty raised his arms in surrender and then grabbed his phone.  He quickly typed the band into google and read the first article he saw. “The everrising band, ‘The Serpents’ has made a change to their setlist.” Barty said, reading the headline.

“Yes, now click on it.”

“I was getting to that Dora, calm yourself.”  Clearing his throat, Barty continued. “Last night,  the Serpents played their 8th show on the European leg of their tour.  For the most part, the set list has stayed the same until last night.  Last night, the group debuted a new song entitled, ‘People Watching’.  The fans adored the song and loved the teaser for their next album which still has yet to be announced.  Something that further excited fans was the idea that they would be getting one different song every night for the remainder of the tour.  When contacted, Tom Riddle (Owner of the Serpents label, ‘Death Eaters’) said this, "Yes, People Watching was a song that Regulus pitched to us a while back.  For obvious reasons it couldn’t go on their last album but when this tour comes to an end and they start recording their new one, it will likely be released.  Well, that as well as the next 18 surprise songs they play.’”

“What the fuck.” Regulus whispered. “Is he fucking serious?”

“No actually,” A new voice said, entering the room. “That would be me.”

Regulus turned around and saw the four new additions to the tour. “Not the fucking time Sirius.”

“Okay, calm down Regulus.” Dorcas said. “Do we even know if the quote is real?”

Pandora nodded. “Yes. The quote is very real. Tom is expecting an entire album by the end of the tour and he wants a new song sung by Regulus at the end of each show.”

“18 songs?” Regulus exclaimed. “I don’t have 18 songs to play.  I thought we had time.  I was supposed to have at least two more months.”

“Calm down Regulus, it’s okay.” Dorcas said, coming to bring him into a hug.

Regulus shook her off. “No Cas, it’s not fucking okay.  Tom is a dick but he’s also not lying.  He expects 18 new songs.  He’s been demanding new music for months but I still had time.  This is his way of telling me that time is up.”

“He’s been asking for new stuff?” Evan asked. “You didn’t tell us that.”

“Obviously he’s been asking for new stuff Evan.” Regulus yelled. “That’s how this whole musician thing  works.  Being on tour doesn't mean we stop writing.”

“Hey!” Barty exclaimed. “Lay off Evan.”

Regulus shook his head, turned on his heel and walked out of the room, not caring who he ran into.  

As quickly as he could, he got outside, lighting a cigarette and trying to calm down.  18 songs. He could write 18 songs.  He had 3 in his notebook. They weren’t finished but he could get one good enough to play by tonight.  

He took a long drag of his cigarette. What was he going to do?  

He stood there for a while, completely in his own world.  He didn’t even hear it when the backdoor opened and shut with a slam.  He didn’t hear the footsteps of the person, walking to where he was.  He didn’t even realize someone was there until they stood directly next to him and spoke.

“Regulus, are you okay?”

Regulus jumped and turned to face the voice.  It was James.  He didn’t even have the energy to scoff and turn him away.  Instead, he turned back and looked up at the sky, shaking his head ever so slightly.

After a few moments of silence, James spoke again. “This Tom guy seems like a total dick.”

Regulus looked back at James with a light chuckle. “Yea, you have no idea.”

“So, 18 songs.”

Regulus clenched his jaw. “I know I’m a dick for what I said to Evan and I’ll give some half arsed apology later but they have no idea how hard this is. I mean, no one really understands how difficult this is.”

James nodded. “I know I have no idea what this is like for you but, I am a really good listener if you need someone to vent to.”

Regulus raised his eyebrow.  What on earth was he doing? He did not like James Potter. He did not talk to or pal around with James Potter.

But, he was the only one here.  He wasn’t in the band and he wasn’t Regulus’s brother.  He was just a person to talk to.

Regulus took a deep breath. “Tom Riddle made the list of one of the worst people I’ve ever met the day that we signed onto the Death Eaters.  I didn’t know why then but there was just this feeling gnawing at me as we went over the contract.  Despite this fact, the Death Eaters was the only label that had actually contacted us and they represent some big people so I pushed it aside and signed the stupid fucking contract without knowing what it meant.

James was watching Regulus very intently as he spoke. “So basically, the contract stipulates that we have to have an album put out every year and that they own the rights to every single song recorded in their studio.  I learned that after our last album was put out and I was furious.  I mean, these are my songs and yet I don’t own them.  Anyways, sometimes I write songs that are personal and even though I want them recorded I want to own them.  I want them to be my songs.  Riddle knows about these songs.  I normally play around with them while we're in the studio so he has heard a few of them.  

“At the end of our last recording session, he told me that our next album was going to have to be almost double the length of Horcrux and that we would start recording as soon as the tour was finished.  He made it very clear that he wanted my songs in it and try as I might, I couldn’t write anything like what was on Horcrux.  Every single thing I’ve written in the past 6 months is a different sound and genre and it is so personal.  I refuse to let him own these songs and yet somehow, he’s managed to get them.  He sunk his claws into me years ago and he refuses to let go.”

Regulus finished and sat down on the cold concrete, burying his head in his knees.  He felt fractured.  These songs were undeniably him.  With all the songs he had written for the band's last two albums, he had managed to filter them down into something not painfully real.  He turned sad breakup songs into soft rock songs and try as he might, he could not manage to do that with the lyrics he had been writing.

“Damn, that’s a lot.” James sighed, coming and sitting next to Regulus.  “Can you not get out of the contract?”

Regulus looked up at him like he was an idiot. “You can’t just get out of a contract Potter.”

James smiled lightly. “Well, have you tried?  I mean, most contracts have some kind of loophole or some way to get out of them.”

Regulus rolled his eyes. “There are so many stipulations in the contracts with the Death Eaters.  Odds are, the only way out would be to pay millions of dollars and even then where would we go?”

“Regulus, you do realize that your band is pretty big right?  I mean, you could get a lawyer to look through the contract and stuff but you guys could easily sign on with someone new.”  James stated.  “You know, my mom was a lawyer.  She doesn’t practice anymore but I am sure she’d be more than willing to look through the contract.”

Regulus started to speak when the door swung open and Pandora walked outside. “I know you’re angry and I get it but that doesn’t change the fact that you need a new song within the next hour.”

Regulus swore under his breath, stubbed out his cigarette and got to his feet.  He looked at James and said, “Thanks for- uh - thank you for-”

James chuckled lightly. “Anytime Regulus.  And I actually mean that.  I’m around if you need to talk.”

Regulus nodded and followed Pandora inside.  He hurried to his green room, thumbing through his notebook, looking for any song that would work, trying his best not to think about how James fucking Potter was the first person to take an interest in his well being in months.

_________

In the end, Regulus found a song that he had written a long time ago.  It was called ‘Enough For You’ and although it had initially been written about how he had never been enough for his parents, if he changed a few of the lyrics it could be mistaken for a breakup song.

When the show was about to start, he met with the band, showed them the song and got their approval.  He did give Evan some half arsed apology but only after Barty and Evan expressed their regret for forcing him into this situation.  

When the show started, the four piled up onto the stage and were greeted by a loving crowd.  

The show was actually somewhat overwhelming.  Regulus knew that the band was big and he knew that they had had bigger crowds but they had never had a crowd quite this loud.  He felt a surge of proudness rush through him as the four of them were playing away.  In fact, he had gotten so carried away that he didn’t even realize when Playing Dangerous started.

He didn’t even realize when it was his part.

__________________

James was now officially happy that he was on this tour.  The conversation he had with Regulus outside had sealed that.  He was happy that he might be a source of comfort to the boy but also that he had a chance to break through the walls.

He was also happy to be photographing concerts again.  He had been wishing for a job that wasn’t him taking cover photos for a magazine and he finally had it.  Sure, he didn’t want to photograph concerts forever but he was happy to be doing it for the Serpents. 

When Regulus had disappeared after their talk to go and find a song, James had wandered back into the room where everyone was sitting.  Barty and Evan seemed to be angry at themselves for putting Regulus in this position in the first place but once Pandora came in and told them that everything was fine the tension in the room diffused. 

Dorcas went straight to Marlene and the two started fighting or maybe they were flirting. James honestly couldn’t tell anymore and he wondered if the two of them knew either.  Barty and Evan seemed to be quite cozy and James wanted to ask if they were dating but decided to table that for another time.  Remus and Sirius went and joined the two on the couch and the four got into a deep conversation about 70’s artists. 

James smiled to himself when he was approached by Pandora.

“So,” She started speaking the second she was close enough for him to hear. “You and Regulus actually talked?”

James nodded. “Yeah, we did.  Is he, is he okay?”

Pandora frowned a bit. “I honestly don’t know anymore.  When we first signed the contract he was elated but by the time they had their first recording session it’s like some of the fire was gone.  The big problem was that he had to change the musical stylings of the songs but I feel like there is something more.  I don’t really know. All I do know is that I absolutely despise Tom Riddle.”

James smiled. “Yea, that seems to be the common consensus and honestly, I think I hate him too and I’ve only heard his name 4 times.”

Pandora grinned a bit. “You know, I think I really like you.  I wasn’t sure at first with what I’d heard from Reg-”

With what she’d heard? What?

“What have you heard about me?” He asked

Pandora shook her head. “No, no. Maybe you can ask him the next time you talk but I don’t think that’s my place.”

James sighed. “Fine.  You should tell him that you like me though. Maybe that will earn me a few points.”

Pandora laughed. “Oh honey, you clearly don’t know him  very well.  He doesn’t really care about anyone else's opinion.”

James smiled and laughed a bit. “Oh dear,” Pandora said. “You four best be getting into the audience. The shows going to start soon.”

___________

Tonight's show was a blast.  James had had a great time at the last show but there was something different about the band tonight.  He assumed it was the crowd's energy that was bringing their performance up but whatever it was, it was great.

James knew that his pictures were going to come out amazing.  He could feel it.  Somewhere, in the middle of a song that James still did not know, his body went on autopilot.  It took pictures from all different angles, getting amazing shots of everyone.

James knew that he was a great photographer.  Some might think this is boastful but it really was just a fact.  It was at times like this where that fact was solidified.  He didn’t even have to really do anything. He was just getting amazing shots.

James was snapped back into reality when the intro to the one song he did remember started to play.  He smiled a bit as he heard Dorcas sing the first few lines of Playing Dangerous. 

It seemed like the only person who didn’t recognize the song was Regulus.  He seemed to just be mindlessly playing his bass.  When it got to his part, it was silent for a moment before he seemed to snap to life.

‘Oh shit’ He whispered into his Mic before collecting himself and starting.

James assumed that he had forgotten to find a person to look at. He was, after all, still looking a bit confused.  Right before he started singing, his eyes latched onto James’s just like they had the night before.

Do you have a girl?

I don’t see a ring on your finger.

James tried to focus on taking pictures but here he was, once again, staring into a pair of lovely grey eyes.

James gulped and shook his head.

Well, that’s interesting.

Have you ever thought of dating a singer?

This time, James was prepared. He snapped a couple shots of Regulus staring straight at the camera before yelling, “Hell yes.”

Barty chuckled lightly and Regulus rolled his eyes before going back to the song.

In all honesty, James’s legs were a little weak but he needed to focus on the pictures.  Photography had to be his main concern.  It certainly couldn’t be Regulus, standing in front of him asking him to date for the second time in 24 hours.

James continued snapping pictures of the band, and tried his best not to think about Regulus staring at him.

____________

The concert went very well after Playing Dangerous.  Regulus still could not believe that he had looked at James. What the hell was he thinking?

When they finished the last song, Barty took the mic. “As a lot of you have probably heard by now, our lovely Regulus Black will be performing a new song at the close of every concert by command of our record label.”

The crowd boomed.

Barty laughed. “Well, let’s hope it lives up to your expectations.”

His three bandmates exited the stage, leaving only Regulus and the piano.

He sat down and sighed. “Please remember that this song has never been played live before so even if I do a shit job be kind.”

The crowd whooped and Regulus smiled a very fake smile.  He could not believe he was being forced to do this.  He had to take a song about his parents' neglect and abuse and turn it into a breakup song.

He played the intro and the crowd quieted down.

I wore makeup when we dated

‘Cause I thought you’d like me more

If I looked like the other models 

I know you loved before

Tried so hard to be everything you liked

Just for you to say you’re not the compliment type.

Regulus cringed a bit as he sang the first verse.  He had completely changed that one. He had liked it more in the beginning if he was being honest.  It had been about him wearing makeup to cover up the bruises he had been given before going to school or meeting the press. In some ways, he was grateful for the change.  He didn’t know how ready he was for the public to know about his childhood.  All they knew right now was that both he and Sirius had left. No one knew the real reasons.

You found someone more exciting

The next second, you were gone

And you left me there cryin’ wonderin’ what I did wrong

That line was technically about Sirius.  Sirius left.  He had every right to but when he first did it left Regulus broken.  Sirius leaving was the first time Regulus had ever truly felt worthless.  

But god, you couldn’t have cared less about someone who loved you more

I’d say you broke my heart but you broke much more than that

Now I don’t want your sympathy 

I just want myself back

Would he ever be ready to share his actual songs with the world? Even this was starting to feel like too much and it had been changed to seem like a breakup.  What would he do if he was singing the original lyrics?  What would he do when the public called him weak for not leaving earlier or a liar?

You always say I’m never satisfied

But I don’t think that’s true

You say I’m never satisfied

But that’s not me, it’s you

Cause all I ever wanted was to be enough

But I don’t think anything could ever be enough

For you

The crowd went ballistic when the song was finished.  Regulus stood up and gave a shy bow before the rest of the band came back out and said goodnight.

When they got back to the green room, they only had to wait a minute before they were joined by the other four.

Sirius immediately came over and pulled Regulus into a hug. “Who was that song about?” Sirius whispered

Regulus shook his head and felt his throat close up a bit. “You know who it’s about Sirius.”

Sirius tightened the hug before letting Regulus go and meeting his eyes.  There was something in the way that Sirius was looking at Regulus that stung him and he wanted to ask but Evan’s loud voice interrupted any thought regulus could have had.

“So Potter!” Evan exclaimed. “I have a question for you.”

James looked a bit skeptical. “Yes Evan?”

“How does it feel to be the only person in the world that has had Regulus sing the Playing Dangerous interlude to?”

James smirked and Regulus felt a blush sneak up his neck. “Shut up Evan.”

“No but thank you for the suggestion.  I really am curious.”

James laughed. “It feels pretty good if I’m being honest.  I mean, if he really wanted to go out he could just ask but the big romantic gesture works just fine.”

Evan smiled. “You know what Jim, I think I might just like you.”

“That is not my na-”

“Regulus,” Pandora interrupted, coming into the room. “Riddle wants you to call him.”

Regulus felt most of the color drain from his face.  He felt James turn to look at him and tried his best to ignore it.

“When?” He said lightly.

“He’s on the phone now.”